Bag filling machine



Sept 19, 1939 I A. s. CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed Oct. 30, 1936 13 Shee'tS-Sheet l l '117/10'Illl t 'y um?l Sept. 19, 1939. 'A. sA CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE 15sheets-sheet 2 Filed Oct. 30, 1936 Sept. 19, 1939. A. s. CHANDLER2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE I Filed Oct. 30,- 1956 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 {if/vf! A@yu.

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BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed OG.. 30, 1956 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 l ama/wm: I/IUST//v 50M/WLM,

Sept. 19, 1939. A. s. CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Sept. 19, 1939. A. s. CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINEFiled Ocl. 30, 1956 13 Sheets-Sheet 7 BMWi/m2 wr// 5. CHA/vaux?,

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Sept. 19, 1939. A. s, CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed oct." 5o, 195e 13 sheets-sheet 9 wue/wtov:

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H" "Swl-)L'll 1939. A. s. CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed oct. 5o,1956 1s sheets-sheet 11v Sept 19, 1939 A. s. CHANDLER BAG FILLINGMACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed Oct. 30, 1936 /a/ez Maremenf Jhr-s wr//V J. (HA/waff,

Sept. 19, 1939. A. s;4 CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE 1,3 Sheets-Sheet 13Filed OCT.. 30, 1935 gmc/rm:

'Patented Sept. 19, 1939 1uNl'rEDsTATEs PATENT OFFICE BAG FILLINGMACHINE Austin S. Chandler, Fitchburg, Mass., assignor to l The BrownBag Filling Machine Co., Fitchburg, Mass., a corporation ofMassachusettsA Application October 30, lg3d, Serial No. 108,487.

1s claims. (Craze- 49) The invention relates to machines for measuring aquantity of material, introducing the same into a receptacle, closingand sealing the receptacle, and delivering-the filled receptacles inorderly fashion. While the present embodiment is adapted specifically touse with fluent material such as powder and granular products introducedinto paper bags like envelopes, it may be applied to other uses, as willbe readily apparent.

It is an important consideration in such machines to embody them incompact form, owing tothe high cost of loft space and especially whereinstallations must be made in high rent districts, as well as tofacilitate servicing and tending of a bank of such machines. To this endi t is an aim of the present invention to enable the attainment of allnecessary operations within a radius reduced toa notable degree,utilizing a vertical main rotating element and havi-ng the operativeparts of the several stations grouped varound this with operativeconnections so simplified and coordinated that cam details, conveyorfeatures, filling, closing, gumming, folding, and sealing, all involvean extremely small number of parts of simple form, readily accessibleand durable construction, while attaining high efliciency in thefunctioning of the machine. It is an important aim of the invention toenable the arrangement of the path of receptacles around a centerbeneath the hopper device, so that but little more horizontal area isoccupied than is necessary to accommodate an individual stock bin orhopper of reasonable capacity for such a machine. It is also animportant object toenable the arrangementof operating' elements in avertical superposed relation, so that vertical space will be utilizedbetter to limit horizontal extension.

It is an important object ,of the invention to present novel means foraccommodating such a machine to various sizes of receptacles withoutdisturbing the operative devices for opening, measuring, closing,sealing, and other details of operative means. A specific aim of theinvention is to present a novel and desirable construction instock-saving means in the form of a trap operative at the fillingstation to prevent loss of stock, in case of a bag not opened when acharge of stock is discharged, but in addition having peculiaradvantages in avoiding restriction of the opening in a bag, or damage,even with very thin paper stock.

Another specific object of the invention is to 'present a novelconstruction and mounting for the hopper and measuring device. Anotheraim of the invention is to present a highly emcient simple and compactsealing mechanism, that will at the same time serve as a conveyorreadily and will enable ordering of the filled receptacles for shipmentor otherwise. 5 A further important general object of the inf vention isto so design and coordinate the various operative mechanisms that a verysmall power unit will suiiice for its operation. Thus, it has been foundpracticable to use a motor of 1/6 horse- 10 power, and 1A horsepower isadequate with good margin for the heaviest and comparatively largepackages for handling in such machines. It is an outstanding valuablecharacteristic of this invention that in its present embodiment 15 witha hopper of large capacity, it is of such low height that the hopper maybe lled or cleanedv without the use of a step or ladder; but at the sametime the path of the packages and the units operative thereon are at agood height for ready 20 observation, access and servicing, so that itmay be setupon a loft floor and the operatives in attendance will beable to attend its normal servicing without lassuming awkward positions.

It is also an vimportant aim to enable ready and 25 immediate dumping ofthe hopper, and its ready cleaning by an operative standing upon thedoor, at any time, without requiring disconnection of the operativeparts, or dismounting of operative connections, and without the serviceof a me- 30 chanic, notwithstanding the use of a feed device in thehopper.

A special purpose is to present a measure which will operate with aminimum of friction in guides and onthe materials measured, to the endthat 35 y heating by this element and damage to goods thereby is reducedto a marked degree.

It is also an important aim to provide a feed in the hopper which willalso operate to eiiiciently discharge the material tothe measure with a40 minimum of friction.

An object of the invention ls to embody a novelv bag-presenting means.Another specific aim is to present a novel means to shape the bag andcontents preliminary to creasing and closing. 45

It is also a purpose to construct a novel and effective scoring device.In addition it is sought to embody a novel and desirable gumming unit,and closer operative thereafter. A further object is to present a novelconstruction in an endless 50 clamp conveyor for insuring the permanentsealing of the bags after leaving -the closer.

A further object is the invention of a novel turret support for bagsbeing lled and operated on successively at the respective stations. 5t

It is a still further purpose to give a novel and I effectivestep-by-step action, with means for avoiding shocks in the movements andto avoid irregularity 4of movement.

An additional aim is to present novel construction in securingcoordinated movements of certain elements having movements of differenttiming but in part simultaneous.

A further aim is to so coordinate these elements that a minimum powerconsumption is involved.

Another object is to provide a novel package carrier in such a machine.

A further object is to present a novel simple means for opening bagswith minimized liability of the opener to strike the edge of the bag.Still another object is to give a novel control construction in apackage holder and release.

Additional objects. advantages and features of invention reside in theconstruction, arrangement and combination of parts involved in theembodiment of the invention, as will appear from the followingdescription and accompanying .drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a frontelevation of a machine embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the station sequence.

Figure 3 is a detail vertical section of the clutch and driveconnections;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view on the axis of the shaft 16 ofFigure 3.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the machine.

Figure 6 is a vertical transverse section of the table and knee bracket.

Figure 7 is a detail of the connection for shifting the bag box.

Figure 8 is a top view of the machine with the top or platform removed,partly in section with parts broken awayover the index bar, and withportions of the bags in the bagbox broken away.

Figure 9 is a vertical section of the machine in a fore-and-aft plane.

Figure 10 is a horizontal section below the table, showing the main orindex cam.

Figure 1l is a vertical section of the hopper parallel to the front ofthe machine.

Figure 12 is a detail of the clamping conveyor of the sealing station.

Figure 13 is a detail of the ratchet drive for the said conveyor.

Figure 14 is a detail of the chain of the veyor.

Figure 15 is a cross section of the conveyor.

Figure 15-a is a fragmentary view ofl the conveyor back.

Figure 16 is a detail vertical section of the closer and scorer.

Figure 17 is a detail elevation of the closer from the outer side.

Figure 18 is a formal plan of the bag box connections with the boxretracted.'

Figure 19 is a similarv view showing a succeeding position of theoperative means, the projected position of the parts being dotted.

Figure 20 is a detail section of the index brake.

Figure 21 is a similar view of the gluing station. Figure 22 is asimilar view of the folding station and the ball-and-indent index checkdevice.

Figure 22a is a detail of the link from the operating lever to thecloser.

Figure 23 is a detail of one form of cam for COD.-

' operating the openerand conveyor of the sealing station.

Figure 241s a detail of an adjustable cam.

Figure 25 is a cross section of the' base part of the last named cam.

Figure 26 is a detail of a possible form for the cams for the trapreset,the gluing device, and the folder.

Figure 27 is a diagram of the cycle and angular relations of the actionsof the several station mechanisms -and other parts in one possiblearrangement.

Figure 28 is a detail plan of the measure and its mounting and operatingmeans.

Figure 29 4ls a plan of the index bar detached.

Figure 30 is a longitudinal section thereof with the index pawl or latchelement in place.

Figure 31 is a cro section on the line 3|3| of Figure 30.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of the wall of the index bag carrier.

Figure 33 is a similar view of the base ring for the index bag carrier.

Figure 34 is a detail top view of the trap parts as removed from Figure8.

Figure 35 is a fragmentary section'similar to Figure'9. showing apneumatic throat opener associated with the bag opener Ill.

Figure 36 is a section on the line 36-36 of Figure 35.

Figure 37 is a fragmentary front elevation of the throat opener.

This machine is generally of a turret-type, in which a rotating carrierreceives a bag and moves it step-by-step, in an orbit, stopping atstations as indicated inFigure 2. where various operations are performedsuccessively to introduce a measured quantity of articles or materialinto the bag, shape the bag, crease it for closing, apply gum to theiiap. press the flap into closed position, then hold the sealed flapclamped for a substantial time, so that the gum will set sumciently toAassure a very secure permanent seal, and nally discharge the lledcontainer. While the index action involves seven steps in 360 degrees,there are but five stations utilized in the present showing, notreatment being effected on the package at two intermissions but one ofthese may be used for any special treatment desired.

The invention may be considerably modiiied in its structure from thatspecifically illustrated here, without departing from the spirit of theclaims as hereinafter presented; but as embodied in this instance itincludes a stand of a simple form adapted to aii'ord a maximum clearanceand ready accessibility of the under parts of the machine, al1 oi* whichare at a good level from the floor to avoid spattering of liquids fromthe floor thereto, as well as to permit ready inspection and servicingfrom beneath. The stand comprises a single leg 40 of heavy steel tubing,located at the extreme back part of the machine, and provided with afoot 4| of good breadth, extended forwardly so as to aiord a safe basefor the machine. The upper end of the tube is set in a socket 42 of aknee bracket or lower frame piece 43 which includes a substantiallyrectangular body plate 44 and upstanding boundary walls or flanges 45.At the right and left sides the walls have upward extensions formed asbrackets 46, secured to the under side of a table 41, which, with theknee bracket, constitute the lower principal framing elements of themachine. The socket 42 is a cylindrical sleeve integral with andextending below and also above the plate' 44,

medially of the rear part of the latter, suitable reinforcing websjoining the two as required. The table is formed with a dependingboundary flange 48, and is also rectangular, but of greater horizontaldimensions transversely and fore-and-aft. It is spaced above the plate44 sufficiently to accommodate a main cam and certain other operativeparts of the machine within the knee bracket, or on the walls 45, andthe table serves as a bed plate for some operative parts.A At the sidesand rear of the table, posts 49 are erected, carrying a platform 50which serves for the mounting of the hopper and operative partsassociated directly therewith. There is also provided a smaller circulartop plate 5| below the platform a distance, serving as a bed plate forthe mounting of certain operative parts. y

On the extreme left side of the knee bracket a bracket 53 is provided,carrying a conventional electric motor 54 having its shaft parallel tothe side of the knee bracket, a belt 55 being engaged on a pulley 56 atthe forward end of the motor shaft and extended across the front of themachine to a clutch pulley 51 mounted at the right hand side of the kneebracket. This latter pulley (see Fig. 3) is mounted to slide and idle onthe stud end of a horizontal worm-shaft 58 by which the entire mechanismis driven, journalled in a small speed reduction case 59 secured to thelower side of the knee bracket. The stud end of the shaft isadditionally supported by a roller bearing 60 in a supplemental bracket6I suspended fromthe under side of .the plate 44. A friction-faced disc62 is keyed to the shaft next to this bracket, and the pulley 51 has asuitable face to engage the friction disc. The opposite side of thepulley is formed with a hub-63 having i an inner anti-friction bearing64, and an outer anti-friction thrust bearing 65, the latter including ahardened cap plug 66 set in the inner race member thereof. The extremityof the shaft is recessed to accommodate a co-axial helical spring settherein and bearing against the cap plug to yieldingly press the pulley51 from the friction member 62. The clutch is operated by `means of ahand lever 61 fixed on the outer end of a shaft 68 rockingly mounted ina bracket 89 on the front of the knee bracket, and also supported by ahanger bracket 10 on the right hand side of the table 41. A rocking beam1| is pivoted in a knuckle on the lower part of the bracket 69 below theshaft 68, the lower end of the beam having a bearing screw 12 adjustabletherein, arranged to bear on the clutch plug 66. The shaft 68 has a cam13 fixed thereon in the bracket 69, with a fiat face normally opposed toand receiving a fiat shoe face on the upper end of the beam 1|, andhaving a higher part at each side' so that slight rotation of the camwill bear the shoe outwardly and cause the pulley 51 .to be pressedinward, engaging the clutch.

In the case 59 a worm gear 15 is meshed with the worm 14, being fixed ona horizontal shaft 16 journalled in the case and projecting beyond theknee bracket at the outer side, and also extending from the case 59 atthe inner side. On the outer end of the shaft an opener cam |41 to bedescribed is fixed, and on the inner end there is a bevel gear 11 meshedwith a similar one 18 (1 to 1 ratio) on the lower end of a vertical mainshaft supported in an anti-friction bearing 19 mounted centrally on theplate 44. This shaft ex- `tends upwardly through the table 41 andthrough a center post 8| mounted on the table 41, the post having a footange 82 secured to the table. The post 8l stops short of the platform 50a distance, to accommodate thereover certain cams on the shaft 80 tooperate station units, as will be described, and for gearing to transmitpower from the shaft 80 to units on the platform associated with thehopper, as will be set forth. A bushing 83 is driven onto the postagainst the flange 82, and has a bottom flange 84 supporting revolublyan index frame 85.

The frame 85 constitutes the principal part of an index table andcarrier, for carrying bags from station to station step-by step. Theframe is an annular plate having an upwardly projected hub revolublearound the bushing 83, the plate .having a machined brake face 88 on itsupper side, part of which is used as a brake face and having sevenindentations 81 therein equally spaced circumferentially. Its under sideis spaced closely over the table 41 and seven pins 88 are set thereinequally spaced in a concentric series, projecting below the level `ofthe table top. To accommodate them for orbital movement horizontally achannel 89 is formed in the table, and means to be described is providedto move the index table step-by-step by engaging and pushing these pinssuccessively. The index frame is provided with a number of radial arms90 inclined slightly upward, and supporting at their extremities avertical cylindrical sheet metal wall 9| concentric with the post 8| andfixed releasably on the arms 90 for rotative adjustment thereon. 'I'hiswall is formed with three or more inclined slots 92, each extending fromnear the lower edge of the wall in a common direction a suitabledistance. The slots are utilized for support and adjustment of ahorizontal rigid carrier ring 93 having a mounting bolt 94 and pins 94'extended through respective slots 92, and the bolt secured releasably tothe Wall by wing nut 95a.

The ring 93 serves as the support for seven bag carriers 95 to bedescribed, which are uniformly spaced circumferentially thereon and aremoved from station to station by the step motion of the index table.'I'he carriers have wings 96 fixed on each side, intended to guide bagsinto position at the filling station after being filled and releasedfrom the bag box and before being gripped on the carrier. 'I'hecircular, horizontal top platev 5| is of the same radius as the wall 9|and mounted closely thereover, this plate being centrally aperturedaround the post 8| and having a hub fitted on and removably securedthereon. Beneath the hub of the plate 5| there is engaged and also fixedon the post8| a brake ring 98, having a series of bosses 99 verticallybored. In one or more of these, friction blocks |00 are mounted at thelower parts, pressed downwardly against the brake face 86 of the indexframe by springs |0| confined by adjusting screws |02 engaged in theupper ends of the bores. One or more other bosses have their bores atthe same radius as the recesses 81 and positioned so` as to aline withrespective indentations 81 on each step of the index action. A ball |03is pressed downward in each of these last named bores by a spring |04confined by a screw |05, so that the ball' will yieldingly engage in theindentations successively as each step movement terminates.

The index means Fixed on the shaft 80 within the knee bracket there is amain horizontal orv index cam |06 in the form of a disc having an indexcam groove |01 in its upper side, and having a peripheral closer camface |08. Pivoted on the under side of the table 41 to the left there isa lever |09 extending over this cam and-having a wiper H intermediatelypositioned thereon engaged in the groove |01, the lever being extendedat an oblique angle toward the front from adjacent the wiper, itsextremity being formed with a longitudinal slot ||l`open on the end ofthe lever. The lever end will thus oscillate in a fore-and-ai'tdirection when the cam rotates. An index bar 2 is mounted to reciprocatefore-and-aft in a channel on the under side of the table top beside thepath of the pins. 33, the wall of the channel 39 being cut away toexpose the side of the bar in the channel 39 a distance. A pin ||3 onthe under side of the bar at a medial point in the length of the bar isengaged in the slot I so that the bar is reciprocated by the lever |09.On the upper side of the bar a 'spring-pressed latch or pawl ||4 ispivoted at ||1, having an index pin-engaging arm ||5 to swing laterallyfrom the bar into the path of the pins 33, and being extended at itsopposite end beyond its pivot to anord a buttress and stop arm ||9, tn'einward movement of which is checked by apin ||1 set in the bar. A springlll is shown to hold the arm ||5 yieldingly extended. 'I'he top of thebar is recessed to accommodate the pawl ||4, and this recess may have awall ||9 concentric with the pivot and receiving the broad end of thearm ||9 thereagainst as a buttress to sustain the thrust against thepinsv 33 when the bar moves forward. The bar ||2 is made in sectionsextensibly connected, sov that the termination of index stages may beadjusted without varying the swing of the lever |09. For this purposethe portion of the'bar carryingthe pawl is slidable on the body partwhich c'ar'ries the pin ||3, as in Figures 8 and 29-31. Here the `bar iscut away at the upper side through the edge next the .channel 09, andlongitudinally slotted .as at |2|, and a block set slidably` therein, onwhich the pawl is directly pivoted as before described, the blockincluding the shoulder ||9 and a rib |22 extended into the slot |2|. Thebar has a longitudinal threaded opening leading from its rear end to theslot |2|, in which there is engaged a screw |23 swivelled in the block|20 so that the latter may be adjusted longitudinally on the bar byrotation of the screw, a set screw |24 holding the screw |23 at adjustedpositions.

Bag presenting means At the front of the machine is the nlling station,where a bag box |25 is provided, consisting of a base slide |26 havingparallel channels in its under side set over respective rail bars |21projected horizontally forward from the edge of the table 41, thechannels having coverplates enclosing the bars, by which the slide issecured against tilting. On lateral extensions of the base transversechannels are formed, in which are set L shaped bases of uprights |23secured in relatively adjustable positions by binding nuts and bolts|29. The uprights are vertically slotted and have vertically slidablethereon channelled parts of side plates |30 of the box proper, securedby thumb screws |30' engaged through the vslots to clamp the plates tothe uprights. Each plate |30 includes a bottom ilange inclineddownwardly toward the inner part of the machine, beingcurved upwardlytoward their outer front parts, and at the extreme inner vertical edgeof each plate there is formed thereon a narrow vertical side flange |3|against which the first bag in the box will set, but permitting the bagto be drawn bodily through the end of the box by an opener to bedescribed. A pivot pin |32 is provided in the lower side of the base|26, on which a draw link |33 is pivoted, this being extended under thetable, offset at its inner end. and connected to the left end of a lever|34 of the nrst order pivoted on the under side of the.

table top as in Figures 7, 18 and 19. This lever has an upatandingstrike lug, pin or roller |35, mounted at the right end, on its upperside close beneath the forward end of the index bar ||2. This part ofthe bar ||2 isprovided with two blocks |36-I31 on its under sideforwardly of the pin ||3 and mutually spaced longitudinally thereon lessthan the length of reciprocation or stroke of the bar, so that when thebar is at its forward limit of movement the block |36 will have engagedthe pin and moved the lever |34 so as to cause the bag box to move (orprotract it) to its inner limit of travel, as in Figures 'l and 9, andwhen the bar has been retracted `to its rearward limit, the block |31will have engaged the pin |35 and moved the lever |34 so as to retractYthe box to the outer limit of its travel.

The bag opener A bag opener is provided, including a bag enteringelement oi.' conventional form consisting of a planiform sheet metalplate |38 mounted to reciprocate in a vertical plane immediately outwardof the plane of the anges |3| with respect to the index axis, when thebag box is at its inner limit of travel-that is to say, slightly withinthe box. This plate has a lower arcuate edge adapting it to enter a bagreadily and is also formed with side flanges |39 nearly or quite atright angles to the plate, their longitudinal edges being inclined fromthe plate near its lower end upwardly and inwardly from the plate |30whereby to press the rear wall of a bag rearwardly and out of the bagbox when the opener descends into a ilrst bag in the box. The opener ismounted on a horizontal arm |40 ilxed by set screw |40' for adjustmenton a vertical reciprocating rod 4| carried slidably in a bearing sleeveor standard |42 the lower end of which is inserted through an opening inthe table 41, a foot flange |43 on the sleeve being secured to the topof the table. The rod projects below the sleeve and short link |44 tothe end of an opener-operating lever |45 located to the right of theknee bracket and extending rearwardly, where it is fulcrummed on abracket |46 extended downwardly from the rear corner of the kneebracket. An opener cam |41 is flxed on the shaft 16 between ,the lever|45 and the side of the knee bracket,

this cam being a plate with a cam groove |48 therein in which a wiper|49 carried by the lever is engaged. This cam may be formed as formed inFigures 5, 25 and 24, where the cam groove is circular, formed on athick plate |50 slidable diametrically across the cam body |41, so thatat a zero position the cam groove would be concentric with the shaft 16and no motion at all transmitted, but at the extreme outer position ofthe plate |50 a maximum reciprocation of the opener will be attained.'I'he plate |50 is fitted in a dovetail slot in the body |41 and may besecured in adjusted positions by screws |5| engaged therethrough fromthe outer side, bearing against the body |41. The movementv of theopener can thus be varied and adapted to the height of various sizes ofbags. A longitudinal slot 344 Vmay be formed in the lever |45 to permitadis connected by a ljustment of a connection 345 with a link 322 to bedescribed, operating aA sealing conveyor. In Figure 23 the cam for theopener is permanently formed with a concentric high part of maximumradius to keep the opener engaged in the bag for a long period, and toeffect a quick raising thereof with a short interval for indexing beforeit descends again, and then a rapid lowering of the opener, so that amaximum of time is permitted for entry of the charge to a bag before theopener is raised. This form of cam groove will not permit adjustmentsatisfactorily in the construction of Figures and 24, and would requirereplacement by a differently proportioned cam to accommodate bagsdiffering widely in size.

In the operation of the machine the cams |06 and |41 rotate in unison,but they may be so related that the opener is in lifted position at thetime the indexing movement begins by which the index table is moved onestep in its rotation, and remains lifted until the indexing movement iscompleted. However, by reason of the fact that bags are dropped to alower level than the bag box after filling (in one embodiment of theinvention, although not essential) the lifting of the opener is notrequired to be completed when the index movement begins; but the openershould be at its maximum elevation when the index motion terminates orat least above the level of the throat 204 of the first bag in the boxin order to permit the throat to move inwardly of the lower extremity ofthe plate |38, and past the tongue rest or stop 348 hereinafterdescribed. Should the machine be adjusted or arranged to transfer thebag to the carrier without material drop from the bag box, which may bedone with the construction disclosed, the opener cam may be timed sothat the opener rise is completed before index motion begins.

In the operation of the apapratus, the material to be packaged is throwninto the bag while the opener is engaged therein, the latter serving inpart as a chute to guide the entering material, and after a properinterval the bag box is retracted to its outer limit, thereby releasingthe bag, either during or after raising of the opener. The bag theneither drops to the bag bottom supporting part of the carrier before theindex motion begins, or remains near the level of its position whenfilled until the gripping or other device of the carrier engages it andmoves it, under and as a result of, index motion. The carrier ring 93,or the support elements of the carrier receiving the bottom of the bagare so adjusted that the bag is supported on the carrier with its throatabove the level of a creaser blade 206 hereinafter described, ordinarilyabout one inch above the top plate 5|, in the actual machine, althoughthis may be varied. Figures 8 and 9 are approximately one-third actualsize, and Figure 16 about one-half actual size.

Measuring and filling A hopper |5| circular in plan is mounted over theplatform 50, having a semi-spherical bottom terminating in a circularopening |52 with a short, circumscribing, depending lip |53, set in acollar |54 forming part of a pivoted frame |55 pivoted at the left ofthe hopper. 'I'he swinging end of the frame |55, as seen in Figure 1 isbolted detachably at |56 to an upstanding boss on the platform 50. Itshould be noted that in the present embodiment the vertical axis of thehopper is spaced forwardly from the axis of the index of the hopper, anda plate |58 on the upper end of the arm |51 is secured to the wall ofthe hopper at this opening. A bearing |59 is formed centrally of theplate, from which a bearing arm |60 extends horizontally into the hopperslightly below the geometrical center of the semispherical bottom. Thearm |60 has revoluble therein an agitator shaft |6|, to the inner end ofwhich, short of the vertical axis of the hopper, there is secured asweep |62 consisting of a central arm |83 extending diagonally to swingin an arc clearing the sides of the opening |52 and in a planecoincident with the vertical axis of the hopper, where an inclinedpaddle or vane |64 is attached, having an inclination from its loweredge upwardly in one direction so that when the sweep moves in thisdirection the material engaged by the vane will be pressed or packeddownwardly in the opening |52. In addition, the sweep includeshorizontal extensions spaced below the arm |60, and from the extremitiesof these curved agitator arms |65 are extended downwardly so as to bespaced a short distance from the adjacent surfaces of the bottom at alltimes. With the hopper filled with pulverulent material or granularmaterial, the movement of this sweep over a short radius will keep thestock in a owing state, and cause it to readily feed into the mouth ofthe hopper beneath the vane |64.

On the outer end of the shaft |6| there is fixed a crank arm |66 towhich a link |61 is connected detachably by a removable pin |61', andpivoted on an eccentric |68 of a short horizontal shaft 69 mounted in abracket bearing |10 which forms a bridge over a measure slide and ameasure operating crank arm, to be described. The shaft |69 is driven by`l-to-l bevel gears |1| from a vertical counter shaft |12 mounted in abearing |13 set in the platform 50. The counter shaft is driven insynchrony with the main shaft 80 by two sets of bevel gears |14 and |15and connecting horizontal shaft |16 journalled in brackets on the underside of the platform.

The platform has a rearwardly extending guide channel |11 formed orconstructed on its upper side in the medialline of which the bearing |13is mounted, and reciprocable in the channel there is a measure slide |18which is in the form of two parallel side bars |19 spaced apart to movefreely on each side of the bearing |13 and connected at their forwardand rear ends. Each has an upwardly offset forward extension |80 betweenwhich there extends a cross bar I8 To these extensions the side walls ofa measure box |82 are riveted. The box consists of two side walls |83and a front wall |84 formed from a strip of sheet metal bent at rightangles at the lateral limits of the front wall |84, substantially in aU-shape. Snugly slidable between the side walls of the box there is aback wall |85 having a planiform top plate rearward extension |86 flushwith the top edges of the box, and provided with a downward extension|81 at its rear extremity, in which an adjusting screw |88 is swivelled,'threaded in the cross bar |8|, by which the rear wall may be adjustedto vary the capacity of the measure. The

top ofthe box is spaced a distance below the lip` |53 of the hopper, andin the lower side of the hopper collar |54 there is formeda'fore-and-aft channel |99 (Figure 11) much wider than the 'measure box,and having opposed 'horizontal grooves in its sides immediately belowthe lip of the hopper, or at least at the plane where the opening fromthe hopper through the collar terminates. In the grooves there is set aremovable planiform discharge plate serving as the bottom of the hopperand having a rectangular opening therethrough of a width slightly lessthan that of the measure box, and having its forward edge positioned toaline with the wall |89 when the measure is retracted to loadingposition, while the rear edge of the opening .may be located to alinewith the rear wall ofthe measure at the same time, if the measure isenlarged to its full capacity by rearward adjustment of the wall |85.The lower edges of the measure are slightly above the top level of theplatform 50, and adjacent the mouth ofthe hopper the platform is formedwith a slot |9| of a width somewhat'less than that of the channel |99,and extending forwardly from a point rearwardly of the discharge plate|90 and opening through the front edge of the platform, which front edgeis set back from that of the table 91. Along each side of this slot |9|the platform 50 has slightly raised bosses on which a measure bottomplate |92 is secured, fitting I snugly the lower edges of the measurewhen the latter is set properly in close relation to the discharge plate|90. This bottom plate stops short of the rear end of the slot |9|, sothat material leaking or working out from the measure may drop over itsrear edge when pushed back by the wall |85 on retraction, and a fenderplate |93 is mounted thereunder, to catch such material, its rear edgebeing flush with the platform at the rear end of the slot |9|, the platebeing inclined downwardly and forwardly over and beyond the gears |15,so as to permit waste material to slide on the plate and. drop into awaste chute associated with a trap to be described. The manner of lmounting the bottom plate facilitates its dissipation of heat, and themeasure being free of guide walls at the side, is likewise free ofheating tendencies found in many prior machines from that cause.

In this way also the accumulation of waste stock within the machine isminimized, and wear and damage of the operative parts by access of suchmaterial also reduced to a notable minimum.

Secured to the front edge of the platform 50 in line with the measurethere is a tunnel device |99 of sheet metal, rectangular in crosssection, its rear wall being cut away at the upper part and extendedslightly under the bottom plate |92, its side walls receivingtherebetween the measure when moved to its forward limit. The opening inthe tunnel is adapted to accommodate the maximum fore-and-aft dimensionof the measure, and its rear wall is inclined forwardly and downwardlyso that its end will lie close above and forwardly of the rear wall of abag when the opener is engaged therein.v The tunnel lies betw'een theside flanges |39 of the opener at all times so that any materialdropping from the measure into the tunnel will be guided into the bag.

'I'he measure is operated by means of .an arm xed on the shaft |12,spaced above vand swinging over the slide |19. 0n the extremity of thearm a depending hardened wiper pin |96 is mounted lying very closelyover the slide at respective limits of the orbit of the pin. The slide-is provided with respective strike blocks |91 and |99, on the left andright side bars of the slide, the

one located further to the rear than the other on the slide, and theinner ends of 4these blocks are also spaced from the medial verticalplane of the slide so that the pin |96 will engage one and after movingthe slide to one limit will clear the block and swing over a substantialarc before engaging the other block and returning the slide to theopposite limit of its movement. Thus the measure is given a considerableperiod of rest both at loading and in discharge positions, although theloading begins before it reaches this rest position and continues as itdeparts toward discharge position, and discharge begins before the fulladvanced position is attained as well as in its initial return movement.The distance from the forward edge of the discharge opening in thedischarge plate \tg the front edge of the bottom plate is such that themeasure is closed under the hopper before it projects over the edge ofthe bottom plate when the measure is adjusted to its largest size, whichobviates the possibility of an excess charge being delivered in case ofslow motion of the machine. The rotation of the arm |95 may be timed S0that it engages the block |99 and begins to move the measure forwardwhile the opener is being lowered into the bag, and the front wall ofthe measure may pass beyond the bottom plate |92 before the opener isfully lowered, as the bag will have been opened to the maximum beforethe.

opener is fully lowered. And the retraction of the measure may beginbefore the opener begins to rise, especially if the opener is operatedby the cam of Figure 23.

The sweep in the hopper is also timed to swing in the direction of itsupward inclination while the measure is at loading position beneath theopening of the discharge plate, preferably passing partly or completelyover the opening before the measure'starts forward.

.The bag While my invention is adaptable to use with various receptaclesand containers, in its present form it is especially adapted to use withwhat are termed at bags, but which are also known vin other arts asenvelopes. Each bag 200 has a front wall 20|, a back wall 202 joined tothe front wall at both sides and bottom only, the bag being oblong withits open edge at one end ordinarily. 'I'he front wall has an integraltongue 203 extending upwardly from the level of the top edge of the backwall, with a uniform or nearly uniform width equal to that of theenvelope for a distance above the throat 20| which is the vtop edge ofthe back wall. As initially manufactured and supplied to the bag box|25, no crease or score is formed at the base of the tongue, so that theb ag face and tongue are one dat piece.

Closing and scoring station l At the next sector of the machine beyondthe filling station in the direction of index movement, is the closingand scoring or creasing station. As a means for retaining the filled bagin its proper path a top guide rail 205 is provided near the level ofthe base of the tongue of the filled bag when dropped to the carrier.The top guide rail 205 would preferably be inclined downward to a lowerlevel immediately following the closer station. This rail may becontinued past -as many stations las desired, although it may beinterrupted and loweredl as will be described. At its beginning next thebag box, it is located outwardly of the normal path of the advancingvertical edge of the filled bag when advanced by the 'f5 fil) - part ofsuch material.

rotation of the carrier and following wing 9B.

- The rail is preferably above this wing, and is inclined inwardlytoward the closer station so as to insure movement of the top of the bagwithin the closer device.

At the closer station (see Figs. 16-17 and Figs. 8 9 and 10), arectangular angle piece 201 is secured to the top plate with onevertical ange projecting upward at the outer side as an anvil, being atright angles to the medial radius of the station, and flush with theperiphery of the wall 9| and plate 5| and its ends consequentlyprojecting outward at a tangent to the wall 9|. A small guide plate 208(see Fig. 8) is riveted to the upper side of the top plate, inclinedoutward from the periphery of the plate 5| to the adjacent end of theouter face of the anvil 201. The upper edge of the anvil is bevelled anda rectilinear creaser blade 206 is xed on the bevel, projectingoutwardly from the piece 201 a short distance.

A hinge bracket 209 is mounted on the under side of the table 41 havingknuckle ears at its outer end between which is pivoted an arm or lever2| 0 which extends upwardly through a slot 2| in the table edge andoutwardly of the carrier zing 93. The lever has a heel portion at itslower end projecting outwardly from the pivot of the lever and having acontractile spring 2|2 connected thereto extending downwardly andanchored to a pin on the front of the knee bracket, to keep the leveryieldingly inclined outwardly as dotted in Figure 16. The bracket 209also has a channel on its lower face with undercut sides in which aslide 2 3 is engaged, connected by a short link 2|4 to an arm 2|5 on thelever 2|0 below its pivot, and on the slide at its lower side a wiper2|6 is mounted bearing against the peripheral face cam |08 of the maincam |06 by action of the spring 2 I2.A The guide portion of the bracket209 is fastened to a boss 2 |1 formed on the under side of the table,extending across the bottom of the channel 89 over the main cam |06 andalso having a threaded opening at one side of the slide channelreceiving the pivot screw 2|8 (see Fig. 10) by which the index lever |09is mounted on the under side of the table close beside this slide 2 |3(see Fig. 9).

The upper end of the lever 2|0 is formed with a bracket plate 224 atright angles to the lever, channelled on the radius of the station, andsecured thereon by a bolt 225 adjustably is the ribbed foot piece 226 ofa cross head 2|9 parallel to the anvil. This is formed with a deephorizontal channel throughout its length at the inner side, in whichthere is set a soft rubber or other suitable block or cushion 220,projecting from the channel toward the anvil 201, and positioned toreceive the blade 206 therein when the lever operates. A thin leafspring 22| has one end xed on the upper part of the -foot piece 226,projecting downwardly and broadened and adapted to engage the outer sideof a lled bag on the carrier at the station when the lever is movedinward, the lower part of the spring thus serving as a presser plate222. The base 223 of the spring is projected inwardly from the point ofattachment to the foot piece abruptly, and at a suitable distance fromits mounting bent downward at a line so located that it will be abovethe material in the bag, or above the major When the spring engages alled bag at the station, the base portion is pressed inward while thelower part of the spring yields, thus eiecting a working of the contentof the bag to distribute the material for better shaping of the package.The plate portion 222 may be variously shaped as desired for itsfunction.

When the lever 2|0 swings inward, it presses the interposed upper end.portion of the bag against the sharp front edgeof the blade 206, forminga score or crease at the line where the fold is to occur when the bag issealed. By reason of the adjustment of the carrier to hold the throat ofthe bag above the blade, both walls of the bag are creased and becomefolded down in e the subsequent folding operation. The spring plate 222is held yieldingly in an initial position with its extremity spaced fromthe path of the bag when the lever 2|0 is retracted to its outer limitof movement.

The rise of the cam |08 may engage the wiper 2|6 shortly beforecompletion of the index movement if desired, and may have a high part ofconsiderable length and concentric with the shaft 80, or may beundulated as in Figure '.10 over this high part, to produce a repeatedworking action by the spring 22| against the bag, by which the chargetherein will be caused to settle in the lower corners and to the sidesof the bag, and a better forming of the package attained. The high faceof the cam may terminate at the wiper 2|6 any time before, or about, thetime the succeeding index action begins.

Following the closing and scoring station, the bag will have a stop atthe termination of the index action, where, as disclosed, no treatmentof the bag is effected. But this may be utilized if desired by provisionof any approved treatment devices or mechanism available for use withthe machine disclosed. This may be termed an idle station herein.

' The gluing station The gluing station, located at the second step orstation from the closing and scoring station (see Figures 8 and 21),includes a guide piece 250 in two pieces, including an upper horizontalplaten plate 25| advanced beyond the station at its receiving side andprovided with a hub 252 set revolubly on apin 253 fixed vertically inthe extremity of a bracket 254 extended from the adjacent side post 49.This hub is secured by a set screw 255 engaging the pin 253.

The platen plate is considerably elongated, so as to extend entirelyover the upper end of a bag and beyond, and has formed therethrough alongitudinal slot 256 under which the tongue of a filled bag may liewhile a glue bar is pressed upward against the tongue. The platen issuitably reinforced by a stifening rib at the upper side and has twolongitudinally spaced transverse slots 251 therethrough, around whichthe rib is enlarged; and engaged through these slots there arerespective clamp screws 258 engaged in an outward top flange of aplaniform vertical guide plate 259 set and held by the screws againstthe under side of the platen outwardly of the slot 256 and parallelthereto. It is adjustable rela- .tively to the slot 256 by means of thescrews 258.

Comparatively slight adjustment of the slot 256 radially of the stationwill be required, and this may be attained by a slight degree ofrotation of the platen on the pin 253 after loosening the screw 255.

A wide slot 260 is formed through the top plate 5| from its periphery atthe gluing station, and set in this there is a glue pot or box 26|,rectangular in plan and of a width at least equal to the greatest lengthof area of adhesive required to be

